Drowning Does Not Look the Way You Might Expect

Well, it's summer again! And like everyone else, I am making plans for vacations, and looking to try and get in shape for the beach (it's going to be particularly hard this year). This is the time of the year for get togethers and outdoor barbecues with friends, for burgers and hot dogs and watermelon and cold beer, enjoyed in the late afternoon/early evening, when the peak temperatures finally cool a bit.

Although we might not want to think about it, there are also possible hazards to look out for. And I read about one of them earlier this morning, and it was very scary! I watch my son sleeping as I am writing this, and just cannot imagine the thought!

Please take a moment to look at the article below, whether you have kids or not (or even if your kids are all grown up). The fact of the matter is that drowning can happen very quietly, and it does not look at all like it is portrayed on television or in the movies. There are things that you need to look out for, and again, it bears repeating, it just does not bear any resemblance to how drowning people on Baywatch and other programs were portrayed!

And when you do go out to the beach, or some lake, or even a crowded swimming pool (yes, this can happen even when there are plenty of people around, as unlikely as that might seem), please keep the signs of someone drowning in mind, particularly a child. Because nothing is more important, and you never know - you might just save a life!

Specifically, these are the five things to look out for (according to the article):

1. A drowning person very rarely calls out for help, because they don't have enough breath to do so.

2. A drowning person's mouth will keep quickly going above and below the water, and not long enough to really catch their breath.

3. A drowning person will not wave for help. Instincts kick in, and they extend their arms laterally and actually push down on the water.

4. A drowning person cannot control their arm movements, so don't expect them to wave for help.

5. A drowning person will remain upright in the water, and there will be no evidence of supporting kicks. The process before drowning generally will be 20 to 60 seconds.



Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning by Mario Vittone

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2013/06/rescuing_drowning_children_how_to_know_when_someone_is_in_trouble_in_the.html